GameBanshee Forums

What's infravision supposed to be? I know it's heatvision or summin', but "infra" is latin for under, down, below and such.

*confused*

Infravision enables you to see heat. If you take a look at the electromagnetic spectrum, you'll see that heat is emitted at wavelengths below the visible light spectrum, hence, the name. Here's some more info: What is Infrared?

oh, thanx.

Anyone ever used this spell? I sure never have, especially since there is a Helmet of Infravision and a Ring of Infravision to obtain for free in Nashkell.

Even with these items, I fail to see the use of Infravision (except for the fact that the targets light up nicely in the dark, so it's easier to keep your mouse pointer over them). But seriously, is it supposed to make enemies visible in the dark (when they're for instance Hiding in Shadows; have cast Invisibility)? I can't say that I've ever seen Infravision used this way in the game and I doubt it is, but it would be great if it coùld be implemented that way... just my two cents.

From what I recall of P&P D&D, races who did not have infravsion actually experienced a THACO penalty when fighting in the dark. This appears to have not been implemented in Baldur's Gate.

@Eerhart

And you have the option of "group infravision" as well... No, I've never seen any practical use for either spell or items but I still find it fitting for, say a human thief, to be able to see in the dark.

Originally posted by Sojourner
From what I recall of P&P D&D, races who did not have infravision actually experienced a THACO penalty when fighting in the dark. This appears to have not been implemented in Baldur's Gate.

Originally posted by Astafas
@Eerhart

And you have the option of "group infravision" as well... No, I've never seen any practical use for either spell or items but I still find it fitting for, say a human thief, to be able to see in the dark.

So, between your comment and Sojourner's, it's clear that Infravision wasn't fully implemented in BG and that its only use is that, from a role-playing point of view, dwarves, elves and characters wearing items that grant infravision see red shapes in the dark but can't really put this ability to practical use.

I have never used the spell or the items, beside my first first game where I thought it was cool with the magic items.... Anybody who knows if it matters in SoA or IWD??? Or is it still the same useless ability?

Try letting a human walk alone in the dark!!!
You'll see!

It's a shame actually. I remember it being really atmospheric, having to relay to your party what you could see (group infra I expect). The spell was certainly very useful.

Actually, in BG, I find it to be a hindrance. It's harder to identify people. Although you can see more easily where they are, it's more difficult to see exactly what they are.

Ho hum, still a great game.

Infravision is useless in the game (since all targets have a ring around their feet anyways), but if someone could come up with a mod that modified the THACO........

What is infra vision for>i don;t even see "light-up" round the circle in BGII. And does anyone even read this anymore?

Originally posted by the_realmerlin
What is infra vision for>i don;t even see "light-up" round the circle in BGII. And does anyone even read this anymore?

Well, this isn't about BG2 now, is it? And you can just read the above to see that the spell Iinfravision fills no purpose i BG1. If you go under Game Options, you can change the marker feedback in order to get the rings on all characters.

Yeah, infravision sucks! (They just put it in to remain true to the spirit of d&d)

But why would they then put a Ring that gives infravision in the game? And a helmet? Seems very odd...

Originally posted by Imnesvale
But why would they then put a Ring that gives infravision in the game? And a helmet? Seems very odd...

Do you truly see a reason for everything in this world?

Astafas, you are so right, i guess if there were any logic in this world the there woulldnt be any gellyfishes.

I think the THACO penality mentioned by Sojourner actually existed in BG1. I don'know about BG2, but I remember setting the options of BG1 to display all attack roll results, and I remember humans in my group getting a -1 while fighting outdoors at night.
Or maybe I'm just dreaming

If nothing in this world makes sense, then why do we even bother? (with anything?)


The helmet & ring of infravision are just extra magic items, for when the designers had run out of ideas. (i don't know....could be )